Chimeric immunogens

ABSTRACT

Multimeric hybrid genes encoding the corresponding chimeric protein comprise a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen. The pathogens particularly are parainfluenza virus (PIV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A single recombinant immunogen is capable of protecting infants and similar susceptible individuals against diseases caused by both PIV and RSV.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the engineering and expression of multimeric hybrid genes containing sequences from the gene coding for immunogenic proteins or protein fragments of numerous pathogens.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The advantage of the approach taken by the present invention is to produce single immunogens containing protective antigens from a range of pathogens. Such chimeras greatly simplify the development of combination vaccines, in particular, with the view ultimately to produce single dose multivalent vaccines. Multivalent vaccines are currently made by separately producing pathogens and/or their pertinent antigens and combining them in various formulations. This is a labour intensive, costly and complex manufacturing procedure. In contrast, the availability of a single immunogen capable of protecting against a range of diseases would solve many of the problems of multivalent vaccine production. Several chimeric immunogens of the type provided herein may be combined to decrease the number of individual antigens required in a multivalent vaccine.

Human Parainfluenza virus types 1,2,3 and Respiratory syncytial virus types A and B are the major viral pathogens responsible for causing severe respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, approximately 1.6 million infants under one year of age will have a clinically significant RSV infection each year and an additional 1.4 million infants will be infected with PIV-3. Approximately 4000 infants less than one year of age in the United States die each year from complications arising from severe respiratory tract disease caused by infection with RSV and PIV-3. The WHO and NIALD vaccine advisory committees ranked RSV number two behind HIV for vaccine development while the preparation of an efficacious PIV-3 vaccine is ranked in the top ten vaccines considered a priority for vaccine development.

Safe and effective vaccines for protecting infants against these viral infections are not available and are urgently required. Clinical trials have shown that formaldehyde-inactivated and live-attenuated viral vaccines failed to adequately protect vaccinees against these infections. In fact, infants who received the formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine developed more serious lower respiratory tract disease during subsequent natural RSV infection than did the control group. [Am. J. Epidemiology 89, 1969, p.405-421; J. Inf. Dis. 145, 1982, p.311-319]. Furthermore, RSV glycoproteins purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using elution at acid pH induced immunopotentiation in cotton rats. [Vaccine, 10(7), 1992, p.475-484). The development of efficacious PIV-3 and RSV vaccines which do not cause exacerbated pulmonary disease in vaccinees following injection with wild-type virus would have significant therapeutic implications. It is anticipated that the development of a single recombinant immunogen capable of simultaneously protecting infants against diseases caused by infection with both Parainfluenza and Respiratory syncytial viruses could significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by these viral infections.

It has been reported that a protective response against PIV-3 and RSV is contingent on the induction of neutralizing antibodies against the major viral surface glycoproteins. For PIV, these protective immunogens are the HN protein which has a molecular weight of 72 kDa and possesses both hemagglutination and neuraminidase activities and the fusion (F) protein, which has a molecular weight of 65 kDa and which is responsible for both fusion of the virus to the host cell membrane and cell-to-cell spread of the virus. For RSV, the two major immunogenic proteins are the 80 to 90 kDa G glycoprotein and the 70 kDa fusion (F) protein. The G and F proteins are thought to be functionally analogous to the PIV HN and F proteins, respectively. The PIV and RSV F glycoproteins are synthesized as inactive precursors (FO) which are proteolytically cleaved into N-terminal F2 and C-terminal F1 fragments which remain linked by disulphide bonds.

Recombinant surface glycoproteins from PIV and RSV have been individually expressed in insect cells using the baculovirus system [Ray et al., (1989), Virus Research, 12: 169-180; Coelingh et al., (1987), Virology, 160: 465-472; Wathen et al., (1989), J. of Inf. Dis. 159: 253-263] as well as in mammalian cells infected with recombinant poxviruses [Spriggs, et al., (1987), J. Virol. 61: 3416-3423; Stott et al., (1987), J. Virol. 61: 3855-3861]. Recombinant antigens produced in these systems were found to protect immunized cotton rats against live virus challenge. More recently, hybrid RSV F-G [Wathan et al., (1989), J. Gen Virol. 70: 2625-2635; Wathen, published International Patent application WO 89/05823] and PIV-3 F—HN [Wathen, published International Patent Application WO 89/10405], recombinant antigens have been engineered and produced in mammalian and insect cells. The RSV F-G hybrid antigen was shown to be protective in cotton rats [Wathan et al., (1989), J. Gen. Virol. 70: 2637-2644) although it elicited a poor anti-G antibody response [Connors et al., (1992), Vaccine. 10: 475-484]. The protective ability of the PIV-3 F—HN protein was not reported in the published patent application. These antigens were engineered with the aim to protect against only the homologous virus, that is either RSV or PIV-3. However, it would be advantageous and economical to engineer and produce a single recombinant immunogen containing at least one protective antigen from each virus in order simultaneously to protect infants and young children against both PIV and RSV infections. The chimeric proteins provided herein for such purpose also may be administered to pregnant women or women of child bearing age to stimulate maternal antibodies to both PIV and RSV. In addition, the vaccine also may be administered to other susceptible individuals, such as the elderly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In its broadest aspect, the present invention provides a multimeric hybrid gene, comprising a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen and to a chimeric protein encoded by such multimeric hybrid gene. Such chimeric protein comprises an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen.

The first and second pathogens generally are selected from bacterial and viral pathogens and, in one embodiment, may both be viral pathogens. Preferably, the first and second pathogens are selected from those causing different respiratory tract diseases, which may be upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. In a preferred embodiment, the first pathogen is parainfluenza virus and the second pathogen is respiratory syncytial virus. The PIV protein particularly is selected from PIV-3 F and HN proteins and the RSV protein particularly is selected from RSV G and F proteins. Another aspect of the invention provides cells containing the multimeric hybrid gene for expression of a chimeric protein encoded by the gene. Such cells may be bacterial cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, yeast cells or fungal cells. Further, the present invention provides a live vector for antigen delivery containing the multimeric hybrid gene, which may be a viral vector or a bacterial vector, and a physiologically-acceptable carrier therefor. Such live vector may form the active component of a vaccine against diseases caused by multiple pathogenic infections. Such vaccine may be formulated to be administered in an injectable form, intranasally or orally.

In an additional aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparation of a chimeric protein, which comprises isolating a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen; isolating a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen; linking the gene-sequences to form a multimeric hybrid gene; and expressing the multimeric hybrid gene in a cellular expression system. Such cellular expression system may be provided by bacterial cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, yeast cells or fungal cells. The chimeric protein product of gene expression may be separated from a culture of the cellular expression system and purified.

The present invention further includes a vaccine against diseases caused by multiple pathogen infections, comprising the chimeric protein encoded by the multimeric hybrid gene and a physiologically-acceptable carrier therefor. Such vaccine may be formulated to be administered in an injectable form, intranasally or orally.

The vaccines provided herein may be used to immunize a host against disease caused by multiple pathogenic infections, particularly those caused by a parainfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus, by administering an effective amount of the vaccine to the host. As noted above, for human PIV and RSV, the host may be infants and young children, pregnant women as well as those of a child-bearing age, and other susceptible persons, such as the elderly.

The chimeric protein provided herein also may be used as a diagnostic reagent for detecting infection by a plurality of different pathogens in a host, using a suitable assaying procedure.

It will be appreciated that, while the description of the present invention which follows focuses mainly on a chimeric molecule which is effective for immunization against diseases caused by infection by PIV and RSV, nevertheless the invention provided herein broadly extends to any chimeric protein which is effected for immunization against diseases caused by a plurality of pathogens, comprising an antigen from each of the pathogens linked in a single molecule, as well as to genes coding for such chimeric molecules.

In this application, by the term “multimeric hybrid genes” we mean genes encoding antigenic regions of proteins from different pathogens and by the term “chimeric proteins” we mean immunogens containing antigenic regions from proteins from different pathogens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 1) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 2) sequence of a PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene and F protein, respectively;

FIG. 2 shows the restriction map of the PIV-3 F gene;

FIG. 3 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 3) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 4) sequences of the PIV-3 HN gene and HN protein, respectively;

FIG. 4 shows the restriction map of the PIV-3 HN gene;

FIG. 5 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 5) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 6) sequences of the RSV F gene and RSV F protein, respectively;

FIG. 6 shows the restriction map of the RSV F gene;

FIG. 7 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 7) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 8) sequences of the RSV G gene and RSV G protein, respectively;

FIG. 8 shows the restriction map of the RSV G gene;

FIG. 9 shows the steps involved in the construction of an expression vector containing a chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene;

FIG. 10 shows the steps involved in the construction of an expression vector containing a F_(PIV-3) gene lacking the 5′-untranslated sequence and transmembrane anchor and cytoplasmic tail coding regions;

FIG. 11 shows the steps involved in the construction of an expression vector containing a chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene containing a truncated PIV-3 F gene devoid of 5′-untranslated region linked to a truncated RSV F1 gene;

FIG. 12 shows the steps involved in construction of a modified pAC 610 baculovirus expression vector containing a chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene consisting of the PIV-3 F gene lacking both the 5′-untranslated sequence as well as transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail coding region linked to the truncated RSV F1 gene;

FIG. 13 shows immunoblots of cell lysates from Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses;

FIG. 14 shows the steps involved in constructing a baculovirus transfer vector (pD2);

FIG. 15 shows the steps involved in construction of a chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene;

FIG. 16 shows an SDS-PAGE gel and immunoblot of purified F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric protein;

FIG. 17 illustrates mutagenesis of a PIV-3 F gene; and

FIG. 18 shows the steps involved in the construction of a chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In the present invention, a chimeric molecule protective against two different major childhood diseases is provided. The present invention specifically relates to the formulation of various recombinant Parainfluenza virus (PIV)/Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunogens to produce safe and efficacious vaccines capable of protecting infants and young children, as well as other susceptible individuals, against diseases caused by infection with both PIV and RSV. However, as described above, the present invention extends to the construction of multimeric hybrid genes containing genes coding for protective antigens from many pathogens. Such vaccines may be administered in any desired manner, such as a readily-injectable vaccine, intranasally or orally.

In the present invention, the inventors have specifically engineered several model PIV/RSV chimeric genes containing relevant sequences from selected genes coding for PIV-3 and RSV surface glycoproteins linked in tandem. All genes in the chimeric constructs described herein were obtained from recent clinical isolates of PIV-3 and RSV. The chimeric gene constructs may include gene sequences from either PIV-3 F or HN genes linked in tandem to either RSV F or G genes in all possible relative orientations and combinations.

The chimeric gene constructs provided herein may consist of either the entire gene sequences or gene segments coding for immunogenic and protective epitopes thereof. The natural nucleotide sequence of these genes may be modified by mutation while retaining antigenicity and such modifications may include the removal of putative pre-transcriptional terminators to optimize their expression in eukaryotic cells. The genes were designed to code for hybrid PIV-RSV surface glycoproteins linked in tandem in a single construct to produce gene products which elicit protective antibodies against both parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial viruses. Such multimeric hybrid genes consist of a gene sequence coding for a human PIV-3 F or HN protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to a gene sequence coding for a human RSV G or F protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof. Specific gene constructs which may be employed include F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV), F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) and F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) hybrid genes.

In addition, the present invention also extends to the construction of other multimeric genes, such as trimeric genes containing PIV and RSV genes or gene segments, linked in all possible relative orientations. For example:

-   -   F_(PIV)-HN_(PIV)-F or G_(RSV)     -   F_(PIV)-F_(RSV)-G_(RSV)     -   HN_(PIV)-F_(RSV)-G_(RSV)         The multimeric genes provided herein also may comprise at least         one gene encoding at least one immunogenic and/or         immunostimulating molecule.

The multimeric hybrid genes provided herein may be sub-cloned into appropriate vectors for expression in cellular expression systems. Such cellular expression systems may include bacterial, mammalian, insect and fungal, such as yeast, cells.

The chimeric proteins provided herein also may be presented to the immune system by the use of a live vector, including live viral vectors, such as recombinant poxviruses, adenoviruses, retroviruses, Semliki Forest viruses, and live bacterial vectors, such as Salmonella and mycobacteria (e.g. BCG).

Chimeric proteins, such as a PIV/RSV chimera, present in either the supernatants or cell lysates of transfected, transformed or infected cells then can be purified in any convenient manner.

To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective ability of the chimeric proteins, suitable experimental animals are immunized with either varying doses of the purified chimeric proteins, such as the PIV/RSV chimera, and/or live recombinant vectors as described above. Such chimeric proteins may be presented to the immune system by either the use of physiologically-acceptable vehicles, such as aluminum phosphate, or by the use of delivery systems, such as ISCOMS and liposomes. The chimeras also may be formulated to be capable of eliciting a mucosal response, for example, by conjugation or association with immunotargeting vehicles, such as the cholera toxin B subunit, or by incorporation into microparticles. The vaccines may further comprise means for delivering the multimeric protein specifically to cells of the immune system, such as toxin molecules or antibodies. To further enhance the immunoprotective ability of the chimeric proteins, they may be supplemented with other immunogenic and/or immunostimulating molecules. The chimeric PIV/RSV proteins specifically described herein may be formulated with an adjuvant, such as aluminum phosphate, to produce readily-injectable vaccines for protection against the diseases caused by both PIV-3 and RSV. The chimeric proteins also may be administered intranasally or orally. The chimeric proteins may be used in test kits for diagnosis of infection by PIV-3 and RSV.

The invention is not limited to the preparation of chimeric PIV-3 and RSV proteins, but is applicable to the production of chimeric immunogens composed of either the entire sequences or regions of the immunogenic proteins from at least two pathogens sequentially linked in a single molecule. Chimeric antigens also may be synthesized to contain the immunodominant epitopes of several proteins from different pathogens. These chimeric antigens may be useful as vaccines or as diagnostic reagents.

Sequence Identification

Several nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to in the disclosure of this application. The following table identifies the sequences and the location of the sequence: SEQ ID No. Identification Location 1 Nucleotide sequence for FIG. 1, Example 1 PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene 2 Amino acid sequence for FIG. 1, Example 1 PCR-amplified PIV-F protein 3 Nucleotide sequence for FIG. 3, Example 1 PIV-3 HN gene 4 Amino acid sequence for FIG. 3, Example 1 PIV-3 HN protein 5 Nucleotide sequence for FIG. 5, Example 1 RSV F gene 6 Amino acid sequence for FIG. 5, Example 1 RSV F protein 7 Nucleotide sequence for FIG. 7, Example 1 RSV G gene 8 Amino acid sequence for FIG. 7, Example 1 RSV G protein 9 BsrI - BamHI oligonucleotide FIG. 9, Example 2 cassette 10 BspHI - BamHI oligonucleotide FIG. 9, Example 2 cassette 11 EcoRI - Ppu MI oligonucleotide FIG. 9, Example 2 cassette 12 BrsI - BamHI oligonucleotide FIG. 10, Example 3 cassette 13 EcoRI - Bsr BI oligonucleotide FIG. 10, Example 3 cassette 14 EcoRV - EcoRI oligonucleotide FIG. 11, Example 5 cassette 15 EcoRV - BamHI oligonucleotide FIG. 14, Example 8 cassette 16 BspHI - BspHI oligonucleotide FIG. 15, Example 9 cassette 17 Nucleotide sequence for Example 15 PIV-3 F gene 18 Mutagenic oligonucleotide FIG. 17, Example 15 #2721 19 Nucleotide sequence for Example 15 part of oligonucleotide #2721 20 Oligonucleotide probe Example 15

Deposit Information

Certain plasmid DNAs described and referred to herein have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) located at Rockville, Md., USA, pursuant to the Budapest Treaty and prior to the filing of this application. The deposited purified plasmids will become available to the public upon grant of this U.S. patent application or upon publication of its corresponding European patent application, whichever first occurs. The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the plasmid DNAs of the constructs deposited, since the deposited embodiment is intended only as an illustration of the invention. The following purified plasmids were deposited at the ATCC with the noted accession numbers on Dec. 17, 1992: Plasmid Example No. Accession No. pAC DR7 5 75387 pD2RF-HN 9 75388 pD2F-G 16 75389 Any equivalent plasmids that can be used to produce equivalent antigens as described in this application are within the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The above disclosure generally describes the present invention. A more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific Examples. These Examples are described solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes in form and substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient. Although specific terms have been employed herein, such terms are intended in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitations.

Methods for cloning and sequencing the PIV-3 and RSV genes as well as the procedures for sub-cloning the genes into appropriate vectors and expressing the gene constructs in mammalian and insect cells are not explicitly described in this disclosure but are well within the scope of those skilled in the art.

Example 1

This Example outlines the strategy used to clone and sequence the PIV-3 F, HN and RSV F, G genes (from a type A isolate). These genes were used in the construction of the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV), F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3), and F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) chimeric genes detailed in Examples 2 to 4, 9 and 15, respectively.

Two PIV-3 F gene clones initially were obtained by PCR amplification of cDNA derived from viral RNA extracted from a recent clinical isolate of PIV-3. Two other PIV-3 F gene clones as well as the PIV-3 HN, RSV F and RSV G genes were cloned from a cDNA library prepared from mRNA isolated from MRC-5 cells infected with clinical isolates of either PIV-3 or RSV (type A isolate). The PIV-3 F (both PCR amplified and non-PCR amplified), PIV-3 HN, RSV F and RSV G gene clones were sequenced by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination procedure. Sequencing of both strands of the genes was performed by a combination of manual and automated sequencing.

The nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 1) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 2) sequences of the PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene and F protein, respectively, are presented in FIG. 1 and the restriction map of the gene is shown in FIG. 2. Sequence analysis of the 1844 nucleotides of two PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene clones confirmed that the clones were identical. Comparison of the coding sequence of the PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene clone with that of the published PIV-3 F gene sequence revealed a 2.6% divergence in the coding sequence between the two genes resulting in fourteen amino acid substitutions.

The nucleotide sequence of the non-PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene clone differed from the PCR amplified gene clone in the following manner: the non-PCR amplified clone had ten additional nucleotides (AGGACAAAAG) at the 5′ untranslated region of the gene and differed at four positions, 8 (T in PCR-amplified gene to C in non-PCR amplified gene), 512 (C in PCR-amplified gene to T in non-PCR amplified gene), 518 (G in PCR-amplified gene to A in non-PCR amplified gene) and 1376 (A in PCR-amplified gene to G in non-PCR amplified gene). These changes resulted in three changes in the amino acid sequence of the F protein encoded by the non-PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene. Serine (position 110), glycine (position 112), and aspartic acid (position 398) in the primary amino acid sequence of the F protein encoded by the PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene was changed to phenylalanine (position 110), glutamic acid (position 112) and glycine (position 398), respectively, in the primary amino acid sequence of the F protein encoded by the PCR amplified clone.

FIG. 3 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 3) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 4) sequences of the PIV-3 HN gene and protein, respectively and the restriction map of the gene is presented in FIG. 4. Analysis of the 1833 nucleotide sequence from two HN clones confirmed that the sequences were identical. A 4.4% divergence in the coding sequence of the PIV-3 HN gene was noted when the sequence was compared to the published PIV-3 HN coding sequence. This divergence resulted in seventeen amino acid substitutions in the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the PIV-3 HN gene.

The nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 5) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 6) sequences of the RSV F gene and RSV F protein, respectively, are shown in FIG. 5 and the restriction map of the gene is shown in FIG. 6. Analysis of the 1887 nucleotide sequence from two RSV F clones verified complete sequence homology between the two clones. Comparison of this nucleotide sequence with that reported for the RSV F gene revealed approximately 1.8% divergence in the coding sequence resulting in eleven amino acid substitutions.

The nucleotide (SEQ ID No: 7) and amino acid (SEQ ID No: 8) sequences of the RSV G gene and RSV G protein, respectively, are presented in FIG. 7 while the restriction map of the gene is outlined in FIG. 8. Comparison of the 920 nucleotide sequence of the G gene clone with the published G sequence (type A isolate) revealed a 4.2% divergence in the nucleotide sequence and a 6.7% divergence in the amino acid sequence of the gene product. This divergence resulted in twenty amino acid substitutions.

The full-length PIV-3 F (non-PCR amplified), PIV-3 HN, RSV F and RSV G genes were cloned into λgtll and subcloned into the multiple cloning site of a Bluescript M13-SK vector, either by blunt end ligation or using appropriate linkers. The PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene was directly cloned into the Bluescript vector. The cloning vectors containing the PIV-3 F-PCR amplified, PIV-3 F non-PCR amplified, PIV-3 HN, RSV F and RSV G genes were named pPI3F, pPI3Fc, pPIVHN, pRSVF and pRSVG, respectively.

Example 2

This Example illustrates the construction of a Bluescript-based expression vector (pMCR20) containing the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene. This chimeric gene construct contains the 5′ untranslated region of the PIV-3 F gene but lacks the hydrophobic anchor and cytoplasmic tail coding regions of both the PIV-3 and RSV F genes. The steps involved in the construction of this plasmid are summarized in FIG. 9.

To prepare the PIV-3 portion of the chimeric gene (FIG. 9, step 1), the full length PIV-3 gene lacking the transmembrane region and cytoplasmic tail coding regions was retrieved from plasmid pPI3F by cutting the polylinker with BamHI, blunt-ending the linearized plasmid with Klenow polymerase and cutting the gene with BsrI. A BsrI-BamHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 9) containing a PpuMI site and three successive translational stop codons were ligated to the truncated 1.6 Kb [BamHI]-BsrI PIV-3 F gene fragment and cloned into the EcoRV-BamHI sites of a Bluescript M13-SK expression vector containing the human methallothionen promoter and the poly A and IVS sequences of the SV40 genome (designated pMCR20), to generate plasmid pME1.

To engineer the RSV F gene component of the chimeric construct (FIG. 9, step 2), the RSV F gene lacking the transmembrane region and cytoplasmic tail coding regions was retrieved from plasmid pRSVF by cutting the polylinker with EcoRI and the gene with BspHI. A synthetic BspHI-BamHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 10) containing three successive translational stop codons was ligated to the 1.6 Kb truncated RSV F gene and cloned into the EcoRI-BamHI sites of the Bluescript based expression vector, pMCR20 to produce plasmid pES13A. Plasmid pES13A then was cut with EcoRI and PpuMI to remove the leader and F2 coding sequences from the truncated RSV F gene. The leader sequence was reconstructed using an EcoRI-PpuMI oligocassette (SEQ ID No: 11) and ligated to the RSV F1 gene segment to generate plasmid pES23A.

To prepare the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene (FIG. 9, step 3) containing the 5′ untranslated region of the PIV-3 F gene linked to the truncated RSV F1 gene fragment, plasmid pME1 (containing the 1.6 Kb truncated PIV-3 F gene) first was cut with PpuMI and BamHI. The PpuMI-BamHI restricted pME1 vector was dephosphorylated with intestinal alkaline phosphatase. The 1.1 Kb RSV F1 gene fragment was retrieved from plasmid pES23A by cutting the plasmid with PpuMI and BamHI. The 1.1 Kb PpuMI-BamHI RSV F1 gene fragment was cloned into the PpuMI-BamHI sites of the dephosphorylated pME1 vector to generate plasmid pES29A. This chimeric gene construct contains the 5′ untranslated region of the PIV-3 F gene but lacks the nucleotide sequences coding for the hydrophobic anchor domains and cytoplasmic tails of both the PIV-3 and RSV F proteins.

Example 3

This Example illustrates the construction of a Bluescript-based expression vector containing the PIV-3 F gene lacking both the 5′ untranslated and transmembrane anchor and cytoplasmic tail coding regions. The steps involved in constructing this plasmid are outlined in FIG. 10.

Plasmid pPI3F containing the full length PIV-3 F gene was cut with BamHI, blunt ended with Klenow polymerase and then cut with BsrI to remove the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail coding regions. The Bluescript-based expression vector, pMCR20, was cut with SmaI and BamHI. A synthetic BsrI-BamHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 12) containing a translational stop codon was ligated with the 1.6 Kb blunt ended-BsrI PIV-3 F gene fragment to the SmaI-BamHI restricted pMCR20 vector to produce plasmid pMpFB. The PIV-3 F gene of this construct lacked the DNA fragment coding for the transmembrane and cytoplasmic anchor domains but contained the 5′ untranslated region. To engineer a plasmid containing the PIV-3 F gene devoid of both the 5′ untranslated region and the DNA fragment coding for the hydrophobic anchor domain, plasmid pMpFB was cut with EcoRI and BstBI. An EcoRI-BstBI oligocassette (SEQ ID No: 13) containing the sequences to reconstruct the signal peptide and coding sequences removed by the EcoRI-BstBI cut was ligated to the EcoRI-BstBI restricted pMpFB vector to produce plasmid pMpFA.

Example 4

This Example illustrates the construction of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene composed of the truncated PIV-3 F gene devoid of the 5′ untranslated region linked to the truncated RSV F1 gene. The steps involved in constructing this plasmid are summarized in FIG. 11.

To prepare this chimeric gene construct, plasmid pES29A (Example 2) was cut with BstBI and BamHI to release the 2.5 Kb BstBI-BamHI PI3-3 F-RSV F1 chimeric gene fragment. This BstBI-BamHI fragment was isolated from a low melting point agarose gel and cloned into the BstBI-BamHI sites of the dephosphorylated vector pMpFA to produce plasmid pES60A. This construct contained the PIV-3 F gene lacking both the 5′ untranslated region and the hydrophobic anchor and cytoplasmic tail coding sequences linked to the F1 coding region of the truncated RSV F gene. This chimeric gene was subsequently subcloned into the baculovirus transfer vector (see Example 5).

Example 5

This Example illustrates the construction of the modified pAC 610 baculovirus transfer vector containing the native polyhedrin promoter and the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene consisting of the PIV-3 F gene lacking both the 5′ untranslated sequence and the nucleotide sequence coding for the hydrophobic anchor domain and cytoplasmic tail linked to the truncated RSV F1 gene. Construction of this plasmid is illustrated in FIG. 12.

The pAC 610 baculovirus expression vector was modified to contain the native polyhedrin promoter in the following manner. Vector PAC 610 was cut with EcoRV and BamHI. The 9.4 Kb baculovirus transfer vector lacking the EcoRV-BamHI DNA sequence was isolated from a low melting point agarose gel and treated with intestinal alkaline phosphatase. In a 3-way ligation, an EcoRV-EcoRI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 14) containing the nucleotides required to restore the native polyhedrin promoter was ligated with the 1.6 Kb EcoRI-BamHI truncated RSV F gene fragment isolated from construct pES13A (Example 2, step 2) and the EcoRV-BamHI restricted pAC 610 phosphatased vector to generate plasmid pES47A. To prepare the pAC 610 based expression vector containing the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene, plasmid pES47A was first cut with EcoRI and BamHI to remove the 1.6 Kb truncated RSV F gene insert. The 2.8 Kb F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) chimeric gene was retrieved by cutting plasmid pES60A (Example 4) with EcoRI and BamHI. The 2.8 Kb EcoRI-BamHI chimeric gene was ligated to the EcoRI-BamHI restricted pES47A vector to generate plasmid PAC DR7 (ATCC 75387).

Example 6

This Example outlines the preparation of plaque-purified recombinant baculoviruses containing the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene.

Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells were co-transfected with 1.0 μg wild-type AcMNPV DNA and 2.5 μg of F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) plasmid DNA (plasmid pAC DR7—Example 5). Putative recombinant baculoviruses (purified once by serial dilution) containing the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) chimeric gene were identified by dot-blot hybridization. Lysates of insect cells infected with the putative recombinant baculoviruses were probed with the ³²P-labelled F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) chimeric gene insert. Recombinant baculoviruses were plaque-purified twice before being used for expression studies. All procedures were carried out according to the protocols outlined by M. D. Summers and G. E. Smith in “A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors-and Insect Cell Culture Procedures”, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletin 1555, 1987.

Example 7

This Example illustrates the presence of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) protein in supernatants and cell lysates of infected Sf9 cells.

Insect cells were infected with the plaque-purified recombinant baculoviruses prepared as described in Example 6 at a m.o.i. of 8. Concentrated supernatants from cells infected with the recombinant viruses were positive in a PIV-3 F specific ELISA. In addition, when lysates from ³⁵S-methioninelabelled infected cells were subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gels were analyzed by autoradiography, a strong band with apparent molecular weight of approximately 90 kDa was present in lysates of cells infected with the recombinant viruses but was absent in the lysates from wild-type infected cells. The presence of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) protein in the lysates of cells infected with the recombinant baculoviruses was confirmed further by Western blot analysis using monospecific anti-PIV-3 F and anti-RSV F antisera and/or monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Lysates from cells infected with the recombinant baculoviruses reacted with both anti-PIV-3 and anti-RSV antisera in immunoblots. As shown in the immunoblot of FIG. 13, lysates from cells infected with either the RSV F or F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) recombinant baculoviruses reacted positively with the anti-F RSV Mab. As expected, lysates from cells infected with wild type virus did not react with this Mab. In addition, only lysates from cells infected with the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) recombinant viruses reacted with the anti-PIV-3 F₁ antiserum.

Example 8

This Example illustrates modification of the baculovirus transfer vector pVL1392 (obtained from Invitrogen), wherein the polyhedrin ATG start codon was converted to ATT and the sequence CCG was present downstream of the polyhedrin gene at positions +4,5,6. Insertion of a structural gene several base pairs downstream from the ATT codon is known to enhance translation. The steps involved in constructing this modified baculovirus transfer vector are outlined in FIG. 14. The baculovirus expression vector pVL1392 was cut with EcoRV and BamHI. The 9.5 kb restricted pVL1392 vector was ligated to an EcoRV-BamHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 15) to produce the pD2 vector.

Example 9

This Example illustrates the construction of the pD2 baculovirus expression vector containing the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene consisting of the truncated RSV F and PIV-3 HN genes linked in tandem. The steps involved in constructing this plasmid are summarized in FIG. 15.

To engineer the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene, the RSV F gene lacking the nucleotide sequence coding for the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail of the RSV F glycoprotein was retrieved from plasmid pRSVF (Example 1) by cutting the polylinker with EcoRI and the gene with BspHI. The PIV-3 HN gene devoid of the DNA fragment coding for the hydrophobic anchor domain was retrieved from plasmid pPIVHN (Example 1) by cutting the gene with BspHI and the polylinker with BamHI. The 1.6 Kb EcoRI-BspHI RSV F gene fragment and the 1.7 Kb BspHI-BamHI PIV-3 HN gene fragment were isolated from low melting point agarose gels. For cloning purposes, the two BspHI sites in the Bluescript based mammalian cell expression vector, pMCR20, were mutated. Mutations were introduced in the BspHI sites of the pMCR20 by cutting the expression vector with BspHI, treating both the BspHI restricted vector and the 1.1 Kb fragment released by the BspHI cut with Klenow polymerase and ligating the blunt-ended 1.1 Kb fragment to the blunt-ended Bluescript-based expression vector to generate plasmid pM′. Since insertion of the 1.1. Kb blunt-end fragment in the mammalian cell expression vector in the improper orientation would alter the Amp^(r) gene of the Bluescript-based expression vector, only colonies of HB101 cells transformed with the pM′ plasmid DNA with the 1.1 Kb blunt-ended fragment in the proper orientation could survive in the presence of ampicillin. Plasmid DNA was purified from ampicillin-resistant colonies of HB101 cells transformed with plasmid PM′ by equilibrium centrifugation in cesium chloride-ethidium bromide gradients. The 1.6 Kb EcoRI-BspHI RSV F and 1.7 Kb BspHI-BamHI PIV-3 HN gene fragments were directly cloned into the EcoRI-BamHI sites of vector pM′ in a 3-way ligation to generate plasmid pM′ RF—HN.

To restore specific coding sequences of the RSV F and PIV-3 HN genes removed by the BspHI cut, a BspHI-BspHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 16) containing the pertinent RSV F and PIV-3 HN gene sequences was ligated via the BspHI site to the BspHI-restricted plasmid pM′ RF—HN to produce plasmid pM RF—HN. Clones containing the BspHI-BspHI oligonucleotide cassette in the proper orientation were identified by sequence analysis of the oligonucleotide linker and its flanking regions.

To clone the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene into the baculovirus expression vector pD2 (Example 8), the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) truncated gene first was retrieved from plasmid pM RF—HN by cutting the plasmid with EcoRI. The 3.3 Kb F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene then was cloned into the EcoRI site of the baculovirus transfer vector plasmid pD2 to generate plasmid pD2 RF—HN (ATCC 75388). Proper orientation of the 3.3 Kb EcoRI F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric gene insert in plasmid pD2 RF—HN was confirmed by sequence analysis.

Example 10

This Example outlines the preparation of plaque-purified recombinant baculoviruses containing the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene.

Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells were co-transfected with 1 μg wild-type AcNPV DNA and 2 μg of F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) plasmid DNA (plasmid pD2 RF—HN—Example 9). Putative recombinant baculoviruses (purified once by serial dilution) containing the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric gene were identified by dot-blot hybridization. Lysates of insect cells infected with the putative recombinant baculoviruses were probed with the ³²P-labelled RSV F or PTV-3 HN gene oligonucleotide probes. Recombinant baculoviruses were plaque-purified three times before being used for expression studies. All procedures were carried out according to the protocols outlined by Summers and Smith (Example 6).

Example 11

This Example illustrates the presence of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein in supernatants of infected Sf9 and High 5 cells.

Insect cells (Sf9 and High 5), maintained in serum free medium EX401, were infected with the plaque purified recombinant baculoviruses of Example 10 at a m.o.i. of 5 to 10 pfu/cell. Supernatants from cells infected with the recombinant baculoviruses tested positive for expressed protein in both the RSV-F and PIV-3 HN specific ELISAS. In addition, supernatants from infected cells reacted positively with both an anti-F RSV monoclonal antibody and anti-HN peptide antisera on immunoblots. A distinct band of approximately 105 kDa was present in the immunoblots. These results confirm the secretion of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein into the supernatant of Sf9 and High 5 cells infected with the recombinant baculoviruses.

Example 12

This Example illustrates the purification of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein from the supernatants of infected High 5 cells.

High 5 cells, maintained in serum free medium, were infected with the plaque purified recombinant baculoviruses of Example 10 at a m.o.i of 5 pfu/cell. The supernatant from virus infected cells was harvested 2 days post-infection. The soluble F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric protein was purified from the supernatants of infected cells by immunoaffinity chromatography using an anti-HN PIV-3 monoclonal antibody. The anti-HN monoclonal antibody was coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B by conventional techniques. The immunoaffinity column was washed with 10 bed volumes of washing buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 0.02% v/v Triton-X 100) prior to use. After sample loading, the column was washed with 10 bed volumes of washing buffer followed by 3 bed volumes of high salt buffer (10 mm Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.02% v/v Triton-X 100) . The chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein was eluted from the immunoaffinity column with 100 MM glycine, pH 2.5, in the presence of 0.02% Triton X-100. Eluted protein was neutralized immediately with 1M Tris-HCl, pH 10.7.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis (FIG. 16, panel A) of the immunoaffinity-purified F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein revealed the presence of one major protein band with an apparent molecular weight of 105 kDa. The purified protein reacted with both an anti-RSV F monoclonal antibody and anti-HN peptide antisera on immunoblots (FIG. 16, panel B, lanes 1 and 2, respectively).

Example 13

This Example illustrates the immunogenicity of the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein in guinea pigs.

Groups of four guinea pigs were injected intramuscularly with either 1.0 or 10.0 μg of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein purified as described in Example 12 and adjuvanted with aluminum phosphate. Groups of control animals were immunized with either placebo, or live PIV-3 or RSV (administered intranasally). Guinea pigs were bled 2 and 4 weeks after the primary injection and boosted at 4 weeks with an equivalent dose of the antigen formulation. Serum samples also were taken 2 and 4 weeks after the booster dose. To assess-the ability of the chimeric protein to elicit PIV-3 and RSV-specific antibody responses, sera samples were analyzed for the presence of PIV-3 specific hemagglutination inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies as well as RSV neutralizing antibodies. As summarized in Table 1 below (the Tables appear at the end of the disclosure), the sera of animals immunized with two 10 μg doses of the chimeric protein had titres of PIV-3 specific hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and PIV-3/RSV neutralizing antibodies at the 6 and 8 week time points which were equivalent to the levels obtained following intranasal inoculation with either live PIV-3 or RSV. In addition, animals immunized with only two 1 ug doses of the chimeric protein elicited strong PIV-3 and RSV specific neutralizing antibodies. These results confirmed the immunogenicity of both the RSV and PIV-3 components of the chimeric protein and provided confirmatory evidence that a single recombinant immunogen can elicit neutralizing antibodies against both RSV and PIV-3.

Example 14

This Example illustrates the immunogenicity and protective ability of the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein in cotton rats.

Groups of eight cotton rats were injected intramuscularly with either 1.0 or 10.0 ug of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein (prepared as described in Example 12) adjuvanted with aluminum phosphate. Groups of control animals were immunized with either placebo (PBS+aluminum phosphate) or live PIV-3 or RSV (administered intranasally) Cotton rats were bled 4 weeks after the primary injection and boosted at 4 weeks with an equivalent dose of the antigen formulation. Serum samples were also taken 1 week after the booster dose. As shown in Table 2 below, data from the 4-week bleed demonstrated that both a 1 and 10 μg dose of the chimeric protein was capable of inducing a strong primary response. Reciprocal mean log₂ PIV-3 specific HAI and PIV-3/RSV neutralizing titers were equivalent to the titres obtained with live PIV-3 and RSV. Thus, a single inoculation of the chimeric protein was sufficient to elicit neutralizing antibodies against both PIV-3 and RSV. Strong neutralizing PIV-3 and RSV titres also were observed following the booster dose (5 week bleed). These results provide additional evidence that both the RSV and PIV-3 components of the chimeric protein are highly immunogenic.

To assess the ability of the chimeric immunogen to simultaneously protect animals against both RSV and PIV-3, four cotton rats from each group were challenged intranasally with 100 TCID₅₀ units of either PIV-3 or RSV. Animals were killed 4 days after virus challenge. Virus titers were determined in lung. As shown in Table 3 below, animals immunized with either 1 or 10 μg of the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein were completely protected against challenge with either PIV-3 or RSV. These results provide evidence that the chimeric protein is not only highly immunogenic but can also simultaneously protect cotton rats against disease caused by both PIV-3 and RSV infection.

Example 15

This Example illustrates the construction of a Bluescript M13-SK vector containing the chimeric F_(PIV-)3-G_(RSV) gene. This chimeric gene construct contains the 5′ untranslated region of a mutated PIV-3 F gene but lacks the nucleotide sequence coding for the hydrophobic anchor and cytoplasmic tail domains of both a mutated PIV-3 F and the native RSV G genes. The steps involved in constructing this plasmid are outlined in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The first step (FIG. 17) involved in preparing the PIV-3 F component of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene construct was to eliminate the putative pre-termination sites within the 18 nucleotide long sequence 5′ CAAGAAAAAGGAATAAAA 3′ (SEQ ID No: 17) located between positions 857 and 874 of the non PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene and positions 847 and 864 of the PCR-amplified PIV-3 F gene (see FIG. 1). To this end, the PIV-F cDNA of the non-PCR amplified PIV-3 F gene was cut at the BsaAI and EcoRI sites. The BsaAI-EcoRI PIV F gene fragment was cloned into the EcoRI site of a Bluescript M13-SK vector using an EcoRI-BsaAI linker. The 857-874 target region of the PIV-3 F gene (non-PCR amplified) then was mutated by oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis using the method of Morinaga et al. [1984, Biotechnology 2: 636-639]. Plasmid pPI3Fc (Example 1) was cut with ScaI in the Amp^(r) gene and dephosphorylated with alkaline phosphatase (plasmid #1). A second sample of plasmid pPI3Fc was cut with BstEII and NsiI to produce a 3.9 Kb restricted plasmid, lacking the 0.9 Kb BstEII-NsiI fragment of the PIV-3 F gene (plasmid #2). A mutagenic 78-mer synthetic oligonucleotide (#2721 shown in FIG. 17—SEQ ID No: 18)) containing the sequence 5′ CAGGAGAAGGGTATCAAG 3′ (SEQ ID No: 19) was synthesized to specifically mutate the 857-874 DNA segment without changing the F protein sequence. This oligonucleotide was added to plasmid DNAs #1 and #2, denatured at 100° C. for 3 min. and renatured by gradual cooling. The mixture then was incubated in the presence of DNA polymerase, dNTPs and T4 ligase and transformed into HB101 cells. Bacteria containing the 1.8 Kb mutated PIV-3 F gene were isolated on YT agar plates containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin. Hybridization with the oligonucleotide probe 5′ AGGAGAAGGGTATCAAG 3′ (SEQ ID No: 20) was used to confirm the presence of the mutated PIV-3 F gene. The mutated gene sequence was confirmed by DNA sequencing. The plasmid containing the mutated PIV-3 gene was designated pPI3Fm.

The second step (FIG. 18) in the engineering of the chimeric gene construct involved constructing a Bluescript based vector to contain the truncated PIV-3 Fm gene lacking the nucleotide sequence coding for the transmembrane anchor domain and cytoplasmic tail of the PIV-3 F protein linked in tandem with the RSV G gene lacking both the 5′ leader sequence and the nucleotide sequence coding for the transmembrane anchor domain and cytoplasmic tail of the G glycoprotein.

To prepare this chimeric gene, the orientation of the mutated PIV-F gene in plasmid pPI3Fm first was reversed by EcoRI digestion and religation to generate plasmid pPI3Fmr. To prepare the PIV-3 F gene component of the chimeric gene, plasmid pPI3Fmr was cut with NotI and BsrI to release the 1.7 Kb truncated PIV-3 F gene. To prepare the RSV G component, the 0.95 Kb RSV-G gene lacking both the 5′ leader sequence and the DNA segment encoding the G protein anchor domain and cytoplasmic tail was released from plasmid pRSVG (Example 1) by cutting the polylinker with EcoRI and the gene with BamHI. The 0.95 Kb EcoRI-BamHI RSV G gene fragment was subcloned into the EcoRI-BamHI sites of a restricted Bluescript vector, pM13-SK, to produce plasmid pRSVGt. The 0.95 Kb EcoRI-BamHI G gene fragment and the 1.5 Kb NotI-BsrI truncated PIV-3 F gene were linked via a BsrI-BamHI oligonucleotide cassette (SEQ ID No: 9) restoring the F and G gene coding sequences and cloned into the pRSVGt vector restricted with BamHI and NotI in a 3-way ligation. The plasmid thus generated was designated pFG.

Example 16

This Example outlines the construction of the pD2 baculovirus transfer vector (described in Example 8) containing the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene consisting of a mutated PIV-3 F gene lacking the hydrophobic anchor and. cytoplasmic coding regions linked to the RSV G gene lacking both the 5′ leader sequence and the nucleotide sequences encoding the transmembrane anchor domain and cytoplasmic tail of the G protein.

To prepare this construct, plasmid pFG (Example 15) was cut with EcoRI to release the 2.6 Kb F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) chimeric gene. The 2.6 Kb EcoRI restricted chimeric gene fragment then was sub-cloned into the EcoRI site of the dephosphorylated pD2 vector to generate the 12.1 Kb plasmid pD2F-G (ATCC 75389).

Example 17

This Example outlines the preparation of plaque-purified recombinant baculoviruses containing the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene.

Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells were co-transfected with 2 ug of pD2F-G plasmid DNA (Example 16) and 1 ug of linear wild-type AcNPV DNA (obtained from Invitrogen). Recombinant baculoviruses containing the F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene were plaque-purified twice according to the procedure outlined in Example 10.

Example 18

This Example illustrates the presence of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) protein in the supernatant of Sf9 and High 5 cells infected with the recombinant baculoviruses.

Sf9 and High 5 cells were infected with recombinant baculoviruses containing the F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) gene (Example 16) at a m.o.i. of 5 to 10 pfu/cell. The supernatant of cells infected with the recombinant viruses tested positive for expressed protein in the PIV-3 F specific ELISA. Supernatants of infected cells reacted with both anti-F PIV-3 and anti-G RSV monoclonal antibodies in immunoblots. These results confirm the presence of the chimeric F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) protein in the supernatants of infected Sf9 and High 5 cells.

Example 19

This Example outlines the preparation of recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) and F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) genes.

Vaccinia virus recombinant viruses expressing the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) (designated vP1192) and F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) (designated vP1195) genes were produced at Virogenetics Corporation (Troy, N.Y.) (an entity related to assignee hereof) using the COPAK host-range selection system. Insertion plasmids used in the COPAK host-range selection system contained the vaccinia KlL host-range gene [Perkus et al., (1990) Virology 179:276-286] and the modified vaccinia H6 promoter [Perkus et al. (1989), J. Virology 63:3829-3836]. In these insertion plasmids, the K1L gene, H6 promoter and polylinker region are situated between Copenhagen strain vaccinia flanking arms replacing the ATI region [open reading frames (ORFs) A25L, A26L; Goebel et al., (1990), Virology 179: 247-266; 517-563]. COPAK insertion plasmids are designed for use in in vivo recombination using the rescue virus NYVAC (vP866) (Tartaglia et al., (1992) Virology 188: 217-232). Selection of recombinant viruses was done on rabbit kidney cells.

Recombinant viruses, vP1192 and vP1195 were generated using insertion plasmids pES229A-6 and PSD.RN, respectively. To prepare plasmid pES229A-6 containing the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene, the COPAK-H6 insertion plasmid pSD555 was cut with SmaI and dephosphorylated with intestinal alkaline phosphatase. The 2.6 Kb F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene was retrieved from plasmid pES60A (Example 4) by cutting the plasmid with EcoRI and BamHI. The 2.6 Kb EcoRI-BamHI F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) gene was blunt ended with Klenow polymerase, isolated from a low melting point agarose gel and cloned into the SmaI site of the COPAK-H6 insertion plasmid pSD555 to generate plasmid pES229A-6. This positioned the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) ORF such that the 5′ end is nearest the H6 promoter.

To prepare plasmid PSD.RN, the pSD555 vector first was cut with SmaI and BamHI. Plasmid pM RF—HN (Example 9) containing the truncated F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene was cut with ClaI, blunt ended with Klenow polymerase and then cut with BamHI. The 3.3 Kb F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) gene was cloned into the SmaI-BamHI sites of the pSD555 vector to generate plasmid PSD.RN. This positioned the F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) ORF such that the H6 5′ end is nearest the H6 promoter.

Plasmids pES229A-6 and PSD.RN were used in in vitro recombination experiments in vero cells with NYVAC (vP866) as the rescuing virus. Recombinant progeny virus was selected on rabbit kidney (RK)-13 cells (ATCC #CCL37). Several plaques were passaged two times on RK-13 cells. Virus containing the chimeric genes were confirmed by standard in situ plaque hybridization [Piccini et al. (1987), Methods in Enzymology, 153:545-563] using radiolabeled probes specific for the PIV and RSV inserted DNA sequences. Plaque purified virus containing the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) and F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric genes were designated vP1192 and vP1195, respectively.

Radioimmunoprecipitation was done to confirm the expression of the chimeric genes in vP1192 and vP1195 infected cells. These assays were performed with lysates prepared from infected Vero cells [according to the procedure of Taylor et al., (1990) J. Virology 64, 1441-1450) using guinea pig monospecific PIV-3 anti-HN and anti-F antiserum and rabbit anti-RSV F antiserum. Both the anti-PIV F and anti-RSV F antisera precipitated a protein with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 90 koa from vP1192 infected Vero cells. Both anti-RSV F and guinea pig anti-PIV HN antisera precipitated a protein with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 100 kDa from vP1195 infected cells. These results confirmed the production of the F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV) and F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) chimeric proteins in Vero cells infected with the recombinant poxviruses.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In summary of the disclosure, the present invention provides multimeric hybrid genes which produce chimeric proteins capable of eliciting protection against infection by a plurality of pathogens, particularly PIV and RSV. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention. TABLE 1 Secondary antibody response of guinea pigs immunized with the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein HAI Titre^(a) Neutralization Titre^(b) (log₂ ± s.e.) (log₂ ± s.e.) Antigen Dose PIV-3 PIV-3 RSV Formulation (ug) 6 wk Bleed 8 wk Bleed 6 wk Bleed 8 wk Bleed 6 wk Bleed 8 wk Bleed Buffer — <1.0 ± 0.0   <1.0 ± 0.0   <1.0 ± 0.0   <1.0 ± 0.0   <1.0 ± 0.0   <1.0 ± 0.0   F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) 10.0 9.1 ± 0.3 9.1 ± 0.3 7.1 ± 0.3 7.1 ± 0.5 5.5 ± 0.9 4.5 ± 1.2  1.0 7.0 ± 2.0 7.3 ± 2.2 5.0 ± 1.5 4.5 ± 1.4 4.5 ± 0.5 3.0 ± 1.0 Live PIV-3 8.6 ± 0.7 7.3 ± 0.6 7.0 ± 0.4 7.3 ± 0.6 N/A N/A Live RSV N/A^(c) N/A N/A N/A 5.5 ± 1.5 5.0 ± 1.0 ^(a)Reciprocal mean log₂ serum dilution which inhibits erythrocyte agglutination by 4 hemagglutinating units of PIV-3 ^(b)Reciprocal mean log₂ serum dilution which blocks hemadsorption of 100 TCID₅₀ units of PIV-3 or RSV ^(c)N/A—not applicable

TABLE 2 Serum antibody response of cotton rats immunized with the chimeric F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) protein^(a) HAI Titre^(b) Neutralization Titre^(c) (log₂ ± s.d.) (log₂ ± s.d.) Antigen Dose PIV-3 PIV-3 RSV Formulation (ug) 4 wk Bleed 5 wk Bleed 4 wk Bleed 5 wk Bleed 4 wk Bleed 5 wk Bleed Buffer — 2.8 ± 0.5 <3.0 ± 0.0 <1.0 ± 1.0 <1.0 ± 0.0 1.8 ± 0.3 0.8 ± 0.7 F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) 10.0 9.5 ± 1.3 10.5 ± 0.6 >9.0 ± 0.0 >9.0 ± 0.0 5.2 ± 1.1 5.8 ± 0.9  1.0 9.3 ± 1.0 10.3 ± 0.5 >9.0 ± 0.0 >9.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.7 5.8 ± 1.2 Live PIV-3 7.0 ± 0.0  8.5 ± 0.7 >9.0 ± 0.0  9.2 ± 0.7 N/A N/A Live RSV N/A^(d) N/A N/A N/A 5.5 ± 0.6 8.5 ± 0.6 ^(a)Each value represents the mean titre of antisera from B animals. ^(b)Reciprocal mean log₂ serum dilution which inhibits erythrocyte agglutination by 4 hemagglutinating units of PIV-3 ^(c)Reciprocal mean log₂ serum dilution which blocks hemadsorption of 100 TCID₅₀ units of PIV-3 or RSV ^(d)N/A—not applicable

TABLE 3 Response of immunized cotton rats to PIV/RSV challenge^(a) Mean virus lung titre Antigen Dose log₁₀/g lung ± s.d. Formulation (ug) RSV PIV-3 Buffer —    3.7 ± 0.3    3.4 ± 0.3 F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) 10.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3)  1.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 Live RSV ≦1.5 ± 0.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 Live PIV-3 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 ≦1.5 ± 0.0 ^(a)Animals were challenged intranasally with 100 TCID₅₀ units of PIV-3 or RSV and killed 4 days later. Each value represents the mean virus lung titre of 4 animals. 

1. A multimeric hybrid gene, comprising a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen.
 2. The hybrid gene of claim 1 wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from bacterial and viral pathogens.
 3. The hybrid gene of claim 2 wherein both said first and second pathogens are viral pathogens.
 4. The hybrid gene of claim 1 wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from those causing different respiratory tract diseases.
 5. The hybrid gene of claim 4 wherein said first and second pathogens causing different respiratory tract diseases are selected from the paramoxyviridae family of viruses.
 6. The hybrid gene of claim 1 wherein at least one of said gene sequences is mutated while retaining antigenicity.
 7. The hybrid gene of claim 6 wherein said mutation is at a putative pre-termination site.
 8. The hybrid gene of claim 1 wherein said first pathogen is parainfluenza virus (PIV) and said second pathogen is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 9. The hybrid gene of claim 1, comprising at least one gene sequence coding for a parainfluenza virus (PIV) protein linked to at least one gene sequence coding for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protein.
 10. The hybrid gene of claim 9, wherein said parainfluenza virus protein is selected from PIV-3 F and HN proteins and said respiratory syncytial virus protein is selected from RSV G and F proteins.
 11. The hybrid gene of claim 1 consisting of a gene sequence coding for a human PIV-3 F or HN protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to a gene sequence coding for a human RSV G or F protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof.
 12. The hybrid gene of claim 11 which is selected from F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV), F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) and F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) hybrid genes.
 13. The hybrid gene of claim 1 contained in an expression vector.
 14. The hybrid gene of claim 13 in the form of plasmid pAC DR7, pD2 RF—HN or pD2 F-G.
 15. The hybrid gene of claim 1 further comprising at least one gene encoding at least one immunogenic and/or immunostimulating molecule.
 16. Cells containing the multimeric hybrid gene of claim 1 for expression of a chimeric protein encoded by said gene.
 17. The cells of claim 16 which are bacterial cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, yeast cells or fungal cells.
 18. A chimeric protein, comprising an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen.
 19. The protein of claim 18, wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from bacterial and viral pathogens.
 20. The protein of claim 19 wherein both said first and second pathogens are viral pathogens.
 21. The protein of claim 18, wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from those causing different respiratory tract diseases.
 22. The protein of claim 21 wherein said first and second pathogens causing different respiratory tract diseases are selected from the paramoxyviridae family of viruses.
 23. The protein of claim 18, wherein said first pathogen is parainfluenza virus (PIV) and said second pathogen is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 24. The protein of claim 18 comprising at least one parainfluenza virus (PIV) protein linked to at least one respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protein.
 25. The protein of claim 24, wherein said PIV protein is selected from PIV-3 F and HN proteins and said RSV protein is selected from RSV G and F proteins.
 26. The protein of claim 18 consisting of a human parainfluenza virus-3 (PIV-3) F or HN protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to a human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G or F protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof.
 27. The protein of claim 26 which is selected from F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV), F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) and F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) chimeric proteins.
 28. A process for preparation of a chimeric protein which comprises: isolating a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a first pathogen, isolating a gene sequence coding for an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen, linking said gene sequences to form a multimeric hybrid gene, and expressing the multimeric hybrid gene in a cellular expression system
 29. The process of claim 28 wherein said multimeric hybrid gene comprises a gene sequence coding for a PIV-F or HN protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to a gene sequence coding for a human RSV G or F protein or an epitope-containing fragment thereof.
 30. The process of claim 29 wherein said multimeric hybrid gene is selected from F_(PIV-3)-F_(RSV), F_(RSV)-HN_(PIV-3) and F_(PIV-3)-G_(RSV) hybrid genes.
 31. The process of claim 30 wherein said multimeric hybrid gene is contained in an expression vector comprising plasmid pAC QR7, pD2 RF—HN or pD2 F-G.
 32. The process of claim 28 wherein said cellular expression system is provided by bacterial cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, yeast cells or fungal cells.
 33. The process of claim 32 including separating a chimeric protein from a culture of said cellular expression system and purifying the separated chimeric protein.
 34. A live vector for antigen delivery containing the gene of claim
 1. 35. The live vector of claim 34 which is a viral vector.
 36. The live vector of claim 35 wherein said viral vector is selected from poxviral, adenoviral and retroviral viral vectors.
 37. The live vector of claim 34 which is a bacterial vector.
 38. The live vector of claim 37 wherein said bacterial vector is selected from salmonella and mycobacteria.
 39. A vaccine against diseases caused by multiple pathogenic infections, comprising a chimeric protein comprising an antigen region of a protein from a first pathogen linked to an antigenic region of a protein from a second pathogen, and a physiologically-acceptable carrier therefor.
 40. The vaccine of claim 39, wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from bacterial and viral pathogens.
 41. The vaccine of claim 39, which also contains at least one other immunogenic and/or immunostimulating molecule.
 42. The vaccine of claim 40 wherein both said first and second pathogens are viral pathogens.
 43. The vaccine of claim 39, wherein said first and second pathogens are selected from those causing upper and lower respiratory tract diseases.
 44. The vaccine of claim 39, wherein said first pathogen is parainfluenza virus (PIV) and said second pathogen is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 45. The vaccine of claim 39 against infection by both parainfluenza virus (PIV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), comprising a recombinant multimeric protein containing at least one segment consisting of a PIV protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to at least one segment consisting of a RSV protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof, and a carrier therefor.
 46. The vaccine of claim 45 wherein said recombinant multimeric protein is a recombinant chimeric protein containing a segment consisting of a PIV-3 F or HN protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof linked to a segment consisting of an RSV G or F protein or an immunogenic epitope-containing fragment thereof.
 47. The vaccine of claim 46 containing at least one additional protein of PIV or RSV or chimeric protein thereof.
 48. The vaccine of claim 39 wherein said carrier comprises an adjuvant.
 49. The vaccine of claim 39 wherein said carrier is an ISCOM, a liposome or a microparticle.
 50. The vaccine of claim 46 formulated to be administered in an injectable form, intranasally or orally.
 51. The vaccine of claim 39 further comprising means for delivering said multimeric protein specifically to cells of the immune system.
 52. The vaccine of claim 51 wherein said delivery means comprises a toxin molecule or an antibody.
 53. A vaccine against diseases caused by multiple pathogenic infection, comprising a live vector as claimed in claim 34, and a physiologically-acceptable carrier therefor.
 54. A method of immunizing a host against diseases caused by multiple pathogenic infections, which comprises administering to a host an effective amount of a vaccine as claimed in claim 28 or
 53. 55. The method of claim 54 wherein said vaccine is against diseases caused by parainfluenza virus (PIV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 56. The method of claim 55 wherein said host is selected from infants, young children, pregnant women, women of child-bearing age and susceptible persons.
 57. A diagnostic reagent for detecting infection by a plurality of different pathogens in a host, comprising the chimeric protein claimed in claim
 18. 58. A method of detecting infection by a plurality of different pathogens in a host, which comprises using said chimeric protein-claimed in claim
 18. 